Our Spring events started with the very well received 4 performances of Jericho (an UpstART production) to full houses. That Spring Calendar included over 30 performances, concerts, movies, conferences, and the combined Ouray and Ridgway Senior Prom. The Summer Calendar currently has 34 events including two Ouray County Players productions: the always popular Summer Play (this year, the musical Treasure Island), the annual Melodrama (Gun Fight at High Noon, or Dancin’ the Six Shooter Two Step), and our Shakespeare presentation of The Tempest (an UpstART production). Be sure to mark your calendars. The Ouray Library is now the source for our movies (a great improvement) via their contract, so they are free, but donations are always appreciated. They are also a better selection. Be sure to check out the lobby art exhibits from the Ouray County Arts Association; it changes every 6 weeks. They are for sale, and the Wright receives a commission on those sales. Also check the EVENTS CALENDAR on our website for a complete listing of upcoming performances, concerts, movies and lectures. A reminder: tickets can be purchased either on line or at the box office.

Introducing our new staff

With the resignation of Chris (we wish him well in his new job) we welcome our two new staff members: Nikki Ticherich as Operations Manager and Alyssa Preston as Events Manager. The division of our work into these two very different tasks has made for a more efficient operation of both.

Our new box office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2 to 6.

Our construction status

Perhaps you have noticed, though most of the work is currently out of sight, that our remodeling is well underway. The new chandeliers for our upstairs lobby are in and are a great addition to that space. The work in progress includes: (1) The interior foundation repairs in the lower level. (2) The two back apartments now deconstructed are ready to make into the extended main floor lobby (north one) and the new ADA restrooms, catering prep area, and storage (south one). We are in the final bid stage for the sprinkler system, new electric wiring, and a detailed structural analysis. So thanks to your early generous support, we are well underway! During this construction, our normal events schedule will continue; so please check for them on our website.

Capital campaign update

We have an exciting new challenge and deadline to make you aware of. We can access a $75,000 grant from the Gates Foundation if we raise $1,000,000 toward our total goal of $1,500,000 by November 1st. Their challenge is appropriate and reasonable. We are currently at $885,000 so therefore have a critical $115,000 to go. It is important we make this goal to access this generous grant. We certainly would appreciate your continued help in reaching that important new goal. It is very easy to pledge; simply go to our web site. In meeting that challange, we will then launch into that last third of our Capital Funds Campaign.

A gift to the community

A gift to the Wright is a gift to the communities of southwestern Colorado.
The San Juan Mountains and the towns of Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton,
Durango and Telluride are world-class destinations for anyone seeking
natural beauty. Let’s work together to make our cultural offerings rival
what nature has provided.

The Friends of the Wright Opera House announces the main phase of the renovation and restoration of Ouray County’s historic Wright Opera House. The funding campaign is off to a promising start with $950,000 already contributed and pledged toward the $1.5 million total required. Objectives include making the building safer, stronger, and more able to support itself financially, so it can continue its 129-yr-old mission as a cultural center of Ouray County.

We're working hard to make the Wright Opera House an open and welcoming venue to organizations throughout Colorado. We're also trying to restore a facility that is over 126 years old. Needless to say, we have our work cut out for us! If you have some praise for what we've done already or some feedback on what we could do better, please
contact us via email.